Across
- 1. Crushing and reducing soil porosity, which decreases water infiltration and aeration, increasing erosion and surface runoff.
- 4. Metallic elements with high density and toxicity, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can accumulate in the soil and contaminate crops.
- 6. Decomposition of organic materials by the action of microorganisms present in the soil, a key process for nutrient cycling.
- 7. Materials derived from living organisms present in the soil, such as plant and animal remains, which influence its structure and fertility.
- 9. Excessive accumulation of soluble salts in the soil, which reduces its fertility and ability to sustain plant life.
- 10. Process of soil degradation in arid or semi-arid areas, caused mainly by deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable agriculture.
- 13. Measurement of acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which influences the availability of nutrients for plants and the activity of microorganisms.
- 14. Chemical substances used to control weeds in crops, which can persist in the soil and contaminate water and ecosystems.
- 15. Chemical substances used to control pests and diseases in crops, which can contaminate soil and water and affect human health and biodiversity.
- 16. Process by which contaminants accumulate in the tissues of organisms throughout the food chain, increasing their concentration and toxicity.
- 17. Process of washing nutrients and contaminants from the soil by rainwater or irrigation, which can contaminate groundwater.
- 18. Loss of soil quality and functions due to contamination, erosion, compaction or other forms of deterioration.
- 19. A natural process or caused by human activities that wears down and drags soil particles, reducing its fertility and quality.
Down
- 2. Introduction of harmful substances or elements into the environment, such as soil, that affect human health and biodiversity.
- 3. Environmental remediation technique that uses plants to absorb, degrade or immobilize soil contaminants, restoring its quality.
- 5. Small organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa, present in the soil and essential for the decomposition of organic matter and soil fertility.
- 8. Chemical elements essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, present in the soil in the form of mineral salts.
- 11. Surface layer of the Earth composed of minerals, organic matter, water and air, essential for the growth of plants.
- 12. Chemical or natural substances added to soil to improve its fertility and increase agricultural production, but which can contaminate soil and water if used in excess.
- 13. Chemical substances used to control pests in crops, which can persist in soil and food, causing contamination and health risks.